The Queensland Government is investing $200 million, as part of the North West Energy Fund, to deliver more affordable, reliable and sustainable energy in the North West Minerals Province.
As part of the fund, local generation and storage solutions will be supported in partnership with the private sector across Mt Isa, Cloncurry, Julia Creek and Richmond. The state government says there will be a key focus on projects that can be expedited for investment.
Treasurer and Energy Minister David Janetzki says the fund ensures communities west of Hughenden are supported as work continues on the accelerated delivery of the project’s Eastern Link.
“As part of the market sounding process, energy developers, generators, electricity distributors and suppliers, users as well as local councils, are being engaged,” Janetzki says.
“This fund together with local generation and storage solutions will ensure lower energy prices sooner for the North West, than under Labor’s previous CopperString plan.”
Powerlink’s CopperString supports North and North West Queensland by delivering affordable energy. The first stage of the project – to be completed by 2032 – connects the region to the National Electricity Market, enabling new generation, firming, industrial development and economic growth.
The Easter Link involves building just under 350km of 330 kilovolt transmission line from Reid River near Townsville to Hughenden.
Janetzki notes that an energy roadmap has identified improved supply in the region as a priority to support affordable, reliable and sustainable energy.
“The North West Minerals Province is one of the richest mineral producing regions in the world and delivers significant benefits for the Queensland economy,” he says.
Queensland’s North West Mineral Province covers 375,000km2 centred around Mt Isa and Cloncurry. The province hosts copper, zinc, lead, silver, cobalt, gold, uranium and phosphate.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Queensland Government
